2009 American League Central Preview

By Coast

Time to take a look at how the American League Central stacks up in 2009. I will try my best to be as non-biased as possible, but I can't make any guarantees...We'll break these teams down in the order they finished in 2008.

Chicago White Sox

This team won the division last year? Holy shit...what a down year for the AL Central. Mark Buehrle returning as the ace of the staff. Dude's only 30 although he seems like he's been around forever. He is a steady veteran presence on an otherwise very young staff. John Danks and Gavin Floyd need to improve upon their 2008 campaigns in order for this team to even think about contending. I mean, who would have thought they would combine for 29 wins? As for the rest of their staff? Uhh Jose Contreras can't be counted on I don't think. Clayton Richard currently lined up to be in the rotation (who?). The Sox also nabbed Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon this offseason. Can he resurrect his career? In a word, no. At least they can depend on stud closer Bobby Jenks. Offensively...this lineup is going to depend on some ageing veterans to carry the load. Jim Thome will be 39 come August, but still hit 34 dingers last year. Paul Konerko had the worst year of his career last year with a .240 average and only 62 RBI. Jermaine Dye and Carolos Quentin and their 70 combined dingers from 2008 need to build on that in 2009.

Over/Under wins: 79.5. This is a tough call, I go under by a few. 77-85 for the Chi Sox in '09.

Minnesota Twins

I got a text from Wreck today saying the Twins and Brewers will be the two worst teams in baseball this year. He did predict the Rays to win the 2008 AL East before the season, so maybe I should take that into account. Francisco Liriano has the best stuff on this young staff. I saw this dude first person before anyone knew who he was (except Janis somehow) and he was just owning batters. He came in in relief and I am hard pressed to remember him allowing a hit. Anyways, the dude is filthy and if he can get back to that form after his Tommy John surgery or whatever he had, the Twins can be a factor. They also got the best manager in the division hands down in Ronny G. Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey round out the top of the staff and this teams success weighs heavily on their shoulders. Just like the Chi Sox though, they got a shut down man in Joe Nathan to pitch the 9th. The Twins lineup can be dangerous too. Their 829 runs in 2008 were 3rd in the AL believe it or not. Joe Mauer (if he's healthy) and Justin Morneau can flat out rake. The Twins also got some good young talent in Denard Span, Alexi Casilla, and Delmon Young (not even starting) who have upside and can help this team improve. I look for the Twins to be a factor in September.

Over/Under wins: 83.5. I take the over...in what I believe will amount to a two team race, the Twinkies should get to about 87 wins, I'll go with 87-75 for Minnesota in '09.

Cleveland Indians

108-54, let's leave it at that. This team is straight up the best in baseball. Seriously though, Cleveland may have had the best offseason of any team in the Central. Obviously they lost Sabathia and Blake in 08 but their only offseason loss was Franklin Gutierrez and I don't think Mark Shapiro is losing much sleep. The addition of Kerry Wood may have been the most significant in the division. If he can stay healthy, the Tribe finally have a viable closer. He hasn't allowed a run in spring training for what it's worth. The Mark DeRosa addition was huge...he will hit 2nd and fill a void at 3rd base left by Blake...he also hit over 20 dingers and had over 80 rbi last year with the Cubbies. Cleveland does have a lot of question marks. The pitching staff right now can go either way. Carmona has nasty stuff but will he command his pitches. Cliff Lee can't possibly match what he did last year. Pavano has pitched about 3 innings since 2004...but this was a high reward low risk signing. Anthony Reyes is a solid number 4 and is having a great spring. The number 5 is uh well Scott Lewis I guess, but this could be a revolving door with him, Laffey and Sowers all season. The bullpen will be solid with Raffy Perez leading the way to Wood. Offensively, they led the AL in runs after the break last year...and that is without 0 contribution essentially from V Mart and Pronk. If Hafner and Martinez bounce back anywhere near their true form, this lineup can be scary. Shin Soo Choo hit over .340 the 2nd half of last season and assuming he doesn't need to go into military duty in Korea, I look for him to explode in '09. Ben Francisco is young and should improve on his 2008 season. Oh yeah, and they do have the best player in the division, I don't care what anyone says in Grady Sizemore.

Over/Under Wins: 85.5...I like the over obviously...91-71 and division champs.

Kansas City Royals

People keep saying KC will be improved this season and could be interesting. But they are the Royals. They added Coco Crisp, Mike Jacobs and Kyle Farnsworth since last year...all mediocre at best probably. Zach Greinke and Gil Mesch are solid top 3 starters but I'd argue none of them are ace material. Joakim Soria is a filthy closer though. His era was 1.60 in 67.1 innings last year. He hasn't had a WHIP over one in his two year career. If the Royals can give him a lead, there is a good chance he'll close the door. Offensively, Coco Crisp needs to play like he did with Cleveland in 2005. They need David DeJesus to built on his .307 12 homer 73 RBI season from a year ago...that just won't cut it for a 3 hitter. Jose Guillen had decent power numbers but a bad batting average and Bill Butler's 11 home runs won't cut it. KC needs a lot of things to go right and although they might be a little better they still will not be a playoff contender.

Over/Under Wins: 75.5. I'll take the under. 75-87 for Kansas City. I just don't think they will be good enough to approach .500.

Detroit Tigers

Remember when everyone was picking this team to win the World Series last year? What a joke this team is, God I hate them. D-Train Willis is in a mental institution. Justin Verlander realized he needs something other than 98 mile an hour heat, because MLB hitters can hit that. Jeremy Bonderman...Nate Robertson...Edwin Jackson...none of these guys are making me nervous. Armando Gallaraga might be their best starting pitcher this year. Zumaya and Rodney live on the disabled list. At least they finally got a new closer in Brandon Lyon and don't have that bum Todd Jones anymore I don't think. Offensivly, we all know they will put up points. Miguel Cabrera may be the best hitter in the American League. He will be 26 on opening day and already has 175 dingers and is a career .309 hitter. He is a young Manny Ramirez. Magglio Ordonez, Curtis Granderson and Carlos Guillen will help lead 2008s 4th ranked offense. Too bad their pitching might be so pathetic that they finish dead last, behind the Royals AGAIN.

Over/Under Wins: 82.5. I'd be shocked if they sniffed that. 75-87 for Detroit.


Final 2009 Standings:
Cleveland 91-71
Minnesota 87-75
Chicago 77-85
KC 75-87
Detroit 75-87